SAN ANTONIO — New years generally start slow in the music whirl. 2014 is looking like an exception. This weekend we can offer a couple of CD-release parties and more. So get busy.

Butch's 'Dry'

2013 was a bittersweet year for Claude “Butch” Morgan. On the one hand, Morgan and his Bandaholics released an excellent autobiographical album, “Dry,” and Morgan was an in-demand singing songwriter, and guitarist, on the troubadour trail. On the other hand, Morgan's dad, Claude Morgan Sr., died in June.

“Dry” didn't get a proper release, so Butch and the Bandaholics — his son, Trevor Doak Morgan (drums, percussion) and Robert “Robar” Adams (bass, vocals) — will rectify that Saturday at Olmos Pharmacy. Don't be surprised if Morgan and the Bandaholics are joined by a few guests, or, as Morgan said, “Assorted mischief makers.”

One of the most prolific songwriters anywhere, it's likely Morgan has written a couple of dozen songs since “Dry,” but listen for the Bandaholics to play plenty of the country/rock/folk/etc. songs from the disc such as “Somewhere in Texas,” “Ol' Black Crow,” “Eddie,” “Cowboy and His Coffee,” “Western World,” “More in Texas,” “Dry” and his classic “Blubberball.”

Lots of songwriters offer personal glimpses via their songs. Morgan does that, but his glimpses run the gamut from poignant and spiritual to hilarious and self-deprecating. That makes the songs on “Dry” all the more special.

While on the subject of Sweet 'Shine & Honey, the quartet will kick off a female singer/songwriter-dominated day/night at The Cove on Saturday at 2 p.m. Tanya Winch will take over at 6:30. Beginning at 9 p.m., Bekah Kelso will showcase her on-the-mark indie folk/rock, including songs from her acclaimed 2013 album “Within the Shifting Shade.”

Taylor's 'Hotel'

Speaking of prolific singing songwriters, here's Chris Taylor. A creative multithreat, Taylor is a singer, songwriter, guitar ace and real-deal visual artist. Taylor hit the local music scene running, full speed, 20 years ago with the band Love Coma. Like Butch Morgan, Taylor has no trouble bridging and fusing the spiritual and secular music sectors.

A creative whirlwind, Taylor has a quick mind and equally quick fingers. Songs he's made up, onstage and on the spot while working solo, can stun, captivate and resonate. Inspired by U2 and other committed rockers, Taylor has long crafted soulful rock 'n' roll.

Saturday, Taylor, working with a seven-piece band, will celebrate the release of his new CD, “Travelers Hotel,” with an 8 p.m. show at Local Coffee, 700 E. Sonterra Blvd., No. 1113. The event also will feature a silent auction for a book of Taylor's artwork and writings. And, he'll give away one of his paintings at the end of the night.

According to notes accompanying Taylor's “Travelers Hotel” page at Bandcamp.com, he figured he was done writing and recording music because he already recorded a lot of albums. But when he passed the Travelers Hotel sign in downtown San Antonio, characters, ideas and sounds came to him in a rush. So he got to work.

The result is first-class, fired-up songwriter rock. Songs including “Travelers Hotel,” “Flip Side of Love” and “Hallelujah What's it to Ya” will make listeners more than a little happy that Taylor took that downtown stroll.

Battery and Metallica

San Antonio has long been a hotbed of Metallica fandom. While Metallica won't be here any time soon (the band's on tour in South America and then Europe), Tequila Rock Bar on Saturday will feature the band Battery, subtitled “Masters of Metallica.”

Battery started musical life in Toronto in the late '80s as an original rock band, Disaster Area, which also played a few Metallica covers. Battery does Metallica so well that the crew has been complimented by Metallica, so there's your endorsement. Tequila Rock Bar doors will open at 7 p.m. My Madness will open.

Jim Beal Jr. is host of the “Third Coast Music Network” show from 3-7 p.m. Thursdays on KSYM, 90.1 FM. Check the Music Beat blog at mySA.com; @jimbealjr on Twitter; jbeal@express-news.net